[Vegas has been busy attending to some chores, but he's got time for his employer. He's been working for the family for quite some time now. Returning to work however, he responds with a friendly wave.]

Welcome back Mr. Rhade!

[There's Vegas! He guides his horse over by the reigns but as soon as he's within hugging distance that's what Vegas gets.] I believe you've sprouted some gray hairs in my absence, Vegas. I do hope a member of the farer sex is the cause and not the list of responsibilities I hefted upon your shoulders. [He thumps his shoulder with a pat.]

[Vegas grins] No sir, sadly. Can't say I haven't tried however. [He thumps him back] For someone out of the war sir, you're looking well.

[he's pleased by that.] And so is she.

I'm lucky to have returned with all my limbs intact. Much of our unit weren't quite so fortunate. [He shakes his head and hands off the horse.] What's happened since I've been gone?

There's been some rumors.

[he pauses] people riding in and out of town. Place has seen more action then I've ever known it to. Traders-that and the railway.

[He looks grim] Not quite sure how I feel about that. But I'm sure you'll get wind of it soon enough. Mr. and Mrs. Reaver.

There've been prospectors for the railroad visit? [He's vaguely concerned, because he trusts their illustrious mayor less far than he can throw him and he is of the opinion the last vote was probably helped along by a stuffed ballot.]

Why do I have a terrible feeling right in the pit of my trunk about this? Mr. and Mrs. Reaver you say?

Edited 2011-05-17 10:51 pm (UTC)

[He nods his head] yessir. Prospectors who're asking quite a few questions sir. Best keep on your toes.

[He makes a face] I talked to the sheriff. Least he promised he'd keep an eye on 'um and if someone got too aggressive I was 'upposed to let him know.

Welcome back, Sergeant.

[Patrick's still from Boston, served in a regiment from Massachusetts and has been stationed here since the end of the war.]

Good to be back, Corporal. Though I'm a bit relieved to be in a position where formalities aren't necessary. When did you arrive? [Rhade was held up with war wrap up.]

'Bout a year ago. Seems they don't have much use for soldiers back in Boston and I'm not sure what else to do with myself after the war.

Boston would have been preferable to the front. [Someone is still a little shell-shocked, but he's going to do his best to act as if he's not.]

[Private]

What's this about prospectors for the railroad?

Agreed. I'll probably head back there next chance I get, honestly.

[Private]

There's been some rumors for a while, but first I heard anything definite about it was that post from Mr. Reaver. The bigger thing that's got everyone spooked is the outlaw gang apparently headin' this way, but I'm not sure how much we're gonna hafta worry. We've got rumors like that every other month, it feels like.

I've not heard much about the outlaw gang. I did run into a few towns that have had some trouble lately, though. I think you would be best advised to be vigilant, Patrick.

['sup it's Irving catching Gaheris as he enters down.]

Welcome home, Perseus. [Sugar lumps for the horse? I think so. He looks at Rhade with feigned surprise.] And you were good enough to bring Mr. Rhade home as well! I am impressed.

[And as soon as he sees Braxton, a smile lights up Rhade's face.] Mr. Irving, I hope time has treated you as well as it appears. [You look good and I don't see a bit of gray. He stalls Perseus so he can enjoy his sugar cube.] It's good to see you again.

You know time and I have a good relationship. [He pats the horse's head.] Your letters would seem to have indicated as much. [And there is one of those smiles, before it's gone as much.] Why don't you come back to my place? If you can beat me in a game of cards, I'll treat you to dinner.

[With the mention of the letters and the smile, he reddens a touch but pretends that he didn't. If he doesn't mention it, it's not happening, right?] I ought to see to supper with Vegas before I make any contradictory promises. But after I have a drink with him at the saloon, I'd gladly slip away to join you for a game of cards. [Saloon girls? Or Braxton? Not a tough choice from him. Fortunately he can pull off the shy, bashful grin well enough that the girls probably think they're just intimidating.] I hope I don't disappoint you, I've gone quite a while without a suitable opponent.

[Braxton doesn't find the ladies intimidating. He finds them very charming indeed. But he tips up his hat, pleasant.] If you do, at least I'll win the price of the game and your company. Not a gamble for me.

Have fun with Vegas, Mr. Rhade.

I will do that, sir. [And the horsey tosses its head to mouth at Brax's hat when he raises his hand to tip it. Which makes Rhade chuckle and pat it's neck.] Easy there, Perseus.

[Mr. John Foreman was walking through the town, piles of papers in his hand to give to the Mayor, a slight spring in his step. Spotting Rhade, he walked up to the man, slightly awkward smile on his face.]

It's a pleasure to have you back, Mr. Rhade!

Mr. Foreman! [He sounds pleasantly surprised to see him, and trots the horse over to his side.] You're looking quite well, sir.

Thank you, Mr. Rhade. [He nods at the man.] I try. So, how have you been lately? I hope the war hasn't been...ah...erm...

[His sentence trails off, as John smiles awkwardly.] You know what I mean.

I know what you mean. [A pleasant smile.] The war is over, and that's the most important part. For the best, too. The Spanish have no intention of paying any mind to the Monroe Doctrine and it's best for the Union to be solid to face them when the time comes. [Yeah, he'll be regretting that bit later when he's himself again. He wanders his horse on over, which means Mr. Foreman gets nosed at by the big stallion.] It took me all of ten seconds to hear rumors about villains and renegades when I came in.

[He lets out a small 'eep' as he gets nosed at by the horse. Thankfully, Mr. Rhade starts talking about something that he can actually relate to.] I've heard the rumors also. I, uh, I don't know if they are true or not and I sincerely hope they aren't, but these are...uh, dangerous times, I guess.

[He chuckles at the oh so manly "eep", oh Mr. Foreman, you're adorable sometimes. Not that he'd ever ever say this.] I think with the former soldiers and the size of the department. Somethin' happens, people'll act quick.